The suspect, identified as Edward J. Villanueva, was arrested Saturday and later charged at 4:25 p.m. Monday with two counts of robbery, four counts of theft and three counts of forgery. He is being held in the Hilo police cellblock in lieu of a total bail of $9,500.

Police also seized an automobile in connection with the investigation.

Villanueva allegedly used the charge card of one of the victims at various locations in Hilo. He was photographed on videotape using the card, detectives said.

The first purse snatching occurred on July 25 in downtown Hilo. The next occurred on July 30 at Prince Kuhio Plaza, but bystanders intervened to recover the victim’s purse. The third purse snatching occurred the following day, also at Prince Kuhio Plaza.

Anyone with information about any of the purse snatchings or other similar incidents is asked to call Detective Andrew Burian of the Hilo Criminal Investigation Section at 961-2381 or the police non-emergency number at 935-3311.

Those who wish to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona. Crime Stoppers keeps the identities of callers strictly confidential.